Mass Graves With 171 Bodies Found In Eastern DR Congo
Authorities in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo say mass graves have been discovered in an area recently vacated by M23 rebels, raising fresh concerns as fighting continues despite a U.S.-brokered peace effort.
South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi told The Associated Press that two mass graves containing at least 171 bodies were found near the city of Uvira.
One site in Kiromoni reportedly held around 30 bodies, while another in Kavimvira contained 141.
A local civil society group, the Network for the Protection of Civilians, says it was blocked by the Congolese military from accessing the sites. The group alleges the victims were killed by M23 fighters who suspected them of links to the national army or pro-government militias.
Those claims have not been independently verified. Both the Congolese army and M23 have previously faced accusations of abuses.
M23 is among more than 100 armed groups operating in mineral-rich eastern Congo near the Rwandan border. The rebels have battled government forces for over a decade, resurging in 2021 and capturing major cities including Goma and Bukavu earlier this year.
In December, the group seized Uvira before later announcing a withdrawal, calling it a goodwill gesture to support peace talks.
Despite ceasefire agreements mediated by the United States and Qatar, fighting continues.
The conflict has displaced more than seven million people, according to the UN, deepening one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
